In The Studio: Trumpet Wom'

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This weekend I traveled down to Philadelphia’s Milkboy to record drums for Trumpet Wom’s (née, Trumpet Grrrl) next album.

In a rare occurrence for me, it was just drums being tracked. That offered me the freedom to start, stop, and record as I like. In some ways, it was difficult to not record with others (though I was playing over pre-recorded scratch tracks), but overall it was a more relaxing recording experience, especially since I was feeling adequately prepared despite having no prior rehearsals.

I pieced together a kit from Milkboy’s in-house gear. I used a Gretsch BD and rack, a Ludwig floor tom that our engineer Mike swore by, and a maple Pearl snare. Cymbals were a mix of brands, and they all sounded great! It was truly liberating to travel with just a backpack after hauling a giant suitcase across the country for six weeks with Grinch.

Stay tuned for this album in the coming months!

August Work

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The last few weeks have been a busy blur, so I thought I would give a little update as to what I've been up to.

Two years ago, I helped develop the drum book for Pryor Rendering, a new musical by Frank Schiro. We did a reading and recorded a few tracks in the studio. The show is about to receive its world premiere in Oklahoma and I have been working hard to prepare the drum book for the percussionist. Here is the smallest of previews:

Keeping with the music notation theme, I was contacted by a fellow drummer and Phish fan who came across my transcription of Limb by Limb and asked me to write out three more Phish songs -  It's Ice, Twist, and Mike's Song.  On the surface, I thought these would be easy. They were not. The intricacies of Jon Fishman's playing are unparalleled and I have even more respect for him now than I ever did before. If you are in need of transcription services, please get in touch. Here's LXL in case you missed it the first time around:

In recording news, I tracked 6 songs for Craig Miller with engineer and guitarist extraordinaire Chris Takita. We recorded in my apartment and the drums sound incredible. If you are in need of some drum tracks at studio fee free prices, let us know. Here are a few pics Chris took from the session:

After three years of hard work, Trumpet Grrrl's EP Just Listen is now out. We played a live show at Silvana in Harlem to celebrate. Christina wore a space suit and I smiled a lot. Grab this disc now! 

In PitchBlak news, we recently signed with Hoplite Booking Agency and have a slew of upcoming dates, including two this weekend in Western Massachusetts and Burlington, VT. Last night was the 8th installment of the 2016 PitchBlak Playlist and as usual, it was a blast. JusMoni killed it and I am obsessed as ever with her track Axela. 

Is that it? I think that's about it. Hope to see you in the city or somewhere on the road!

xoxo,

Ashley 

Just Listen

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Laid down the last band parts for the last two tracks on "Just Listen" today! Can't believe it!! #music #musician #recording #dreams @eusoniastudios

"Laid down the last band parts for the last two tracks on "Just Listen" today! Can't believe it!! #music #musician #recording #dreams @eusoniastudios"

This EP is going to be one of my favorite recordings I've ever played on. Great work by all! 

On another note, did you know I almost always wear a Phish t-shirt when I'm in the studio?

New Track: Rainboots!

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I've known Christina aka Trumpet Grrrl since our time together at the University of Maryland. She is one of the most unique, sincere, and FUN individuals I've ever met! Though she often plays solo, I've been fortunate to work with her a good bit over the last year since she's moved to NYC. I'm really happy with how her recording of "Rainboots" turned out. It was really a fun track to play on. Pick it up today and stay tuned for the rest of her EP to drop!